The wine captivates with aromas of orange blossoms, jasmine, and candied pineapple, evolving as it opens. Full on the palate, the unctuous mouthfeel is brilliantly supported by the wine’s natural acidity, leading into a long finish that showcases the traditional minerality and freshness of Stanly Ranch.
This premium limited release label is packaged in a distinctive heavy painted bottle showing the 'silhouette' images of the producers.
Winemaker Notes - The 2017 Silhouette Chardonnay has an intense nose filled with exotic fruit notes including pineapple, stone fruit and tangerine, and a fragrant vanilla finish. The mouth is very round with a nice sweetness and very clean minerality. The wine is dense and ample with a touch of sweetness and citrus (yuzu) finish. A very balanced and elegant wine with a stylish touch of oak and a beautiful finish.
It was rated 95 points by Jeb Dunnuck, and 92 points by James Suckling, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
The wine fermented in barrel with native yeasts and full malolactic. It was aged 16 months with the full lees in 40% new French oak. 700 cases were produced.
Lillian California Rousanne 2015This is produced by Maggie Harrison, legendary winemaker who gained fame working at Sine Qua Non, known for ultra-premium Shiraz. This white wine is a unique Rhône Valley varietal, Rousanne.
From the winery: "The goal with all Lillian wines —
Roussanne, Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon — is to work with these historical, noble varieties in a sun-drenched place but raise the wines in such a way that gives the wines levity.
Lillian is also winemaker for the ultra-premium Antica Terra, in Dundee, OR, who shares the winery and tasting room with Lillian.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2739240
https://www.lillianwinery.com/
https://www.lillianwinery.com/lillian-wines/
E. Guigal “La Doriane” Condrieu (Viognier) 2014
This is from iconic prolific producer E. Guigal, known for their vast portfolio of wines - this Northern Rhône Viognier is a blend of five-choice parcels from the Condrieu appellation, vinified separately and blended just before bottling..
It the was rated 96-97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 by Wine Spectator, and 93 by James Suckling and Vinous.
Parker’s Wine advocate writes - “The 2014 Condrieu la Doriane is a sensational white with full-bodied richness, awesome purity and integrated acidity. Deep, rich, lengthy and profound, it’s up there with some of the greatest Condrieu ever made.”
Winemaker Notes - “La Doriane is a luxury cuvée of Condrieu that E. Guigal has produced since the 1994 vintage. A great success since the firstvintage, the wine always seems richly oaked and very fruity when young, transforming in 3-4 years into a seamlessly complex,aromatic and vibrant wine. La Doriane contradicts the accepted wisdom that Condrieu does not age well.”
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2118402
Another unique white varietal …
Laurel Blanc Clos i Terrasses Priorat 2023
This is the artwork of producer/winemaker
Daphne Glorian, the visionary behind
Clos i Terrasses, long celebrated for her exceptional red wines in Priorat. The Priorat wine region in northeastern Spain, is 90 miles southwest of Barcelona in the Catalonian province of Tarragona. It is the only other appellation besides the Spanish region of Rioja to achieve the highest quality level in Spain, Denominación d’Origen Qualificada (DOQ).
In 2023, Glorian expanded with this inaugural release of Laurel Blanc, crafted from Priorat’s Clos i Terrasses estate vineyard on a recently acquired 13-hectare parcel in Les Manyetes near Gratallops on the Mediterranean coast.
The Laurel Blanc 2023 is a blend crafted with 85% Garnacha Blanca, 8% Chenin Blanc, and 7% Viognier. The grapes were hand-harvested in early meticulously destemmed and gently pressed using a manual press. Fermentation occurred with native yeasts in a combination of 400-liter barrels and amphorae, where the wine matured for seven months.
Moving to the dinner course of Beef Borgogne and roasted vegetables we had a broad diverse flight of exceptional reds …
In the true OTBN tradition of opening bottles that have long been held in the cellar waiting for that special moment, I served three aged vintage classics from Napa, Bordeaux and McLaren Valley …. Both 1986’s, at forty years were still in good condition, label, foil, and importantly, the corks and fill levels. Same for the 1990 vintage release.
Dominus Napa Valley Red Blend 1986
This is the next to last bottle of a full case I acquired on release. Opening one every couple of years, it wasn’t until bottle 8 or so that it started to show its true potential. The last bottle opened was past prime and at the end of its drinking window. This one, a couple of years later was still approachable and enjoyable, more so on day two.
Back in those days, from 1983 to 1991, Dominus labels were were a ‘artist series’ of pencil, chalk or watercolor drawings of the legendary producer, Christian Moueix, making for a fun collection. We still hold bottles from those years 1983, ‘86, ‘88 and ‘90, at least.
In a horizontal tasting of the 1986 vintage releases Robert Parker's Wine Advocate wrote - "One of the richest, densest, most concentrated offerings in the entire
tasting, it also proved to be one of the best-balanced, with better
integration of acidity and tannin than many 1986s exhibited." He rated this 93 points.
At forty years, the label, foil and most importantly the fill level and cork were still in ideal condition, taking into account their age! The cork extracted entirely intact using an 'Ahso' two pronged cork puller.
Chateau Montrose St Estephe 1986
Interesting mini-horizontal tasting of these two 40 year olds wines. I recall reviews of the 1986 Bordeaux release and pundits talking about how long it would take for those wines to be ready to drink. Parker said his grandchildren would benefit from aging some of those labels.
Tonight, this was very much approachable, enjoyable, still in its drinking window, with a few years yet to go.
This bottle was acquired upon release back in 1988 and has been stored in our cellar ever since. At forty years, the label, foil and most importantly the fill level and cork were still in good condition. The cork was partially saturated but still extracted intact using an 'ahso' two pronged cork puller. It might have been retrieved using a traditional corkscrew but is clearly nearing the end of its functional life.
Decanter rated this 98 points and wrote, "This is a masterclass in the ageing aromas of Bordeaux."
Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (67%), with Merlot (27%) and Cabernet Franc (6%).
Wine Spectator rated it 95 points and a *Spectator Selection*. Wine Advocate gave it 92 points.
We drove by the Montrose Chateau estate and vineyards during our Bordeaux region tour in 2019.
This is part of our special birthyear vintage collection where we hold several bottles from the birth year vintages of our kids. This label in particular is special as it was also Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year back in 1995 and was rated 100 points, and a near perfect 99 points by Decanter.
Penfolds Grange has been awarded over 30 perfect scores from top wine critics around the world, including 100 points from both Wine Spectator and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate for the 2008 vintage and eight perfect scores for the 2018 vintage.
In addition to serving this at son Alec and Vivianna’s wedding celebration, we also toasted their engagement with this label as well. We’ve featured it in these previous wine posts -
In a tasting back in September 26, 2020, it was WOTN - Wine of the Night in a tasting.
In a previous tasting in October, 2019 ...
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2019/10/parents-son-dinner-features-birth-year.htmlOctober 26, 2019 - Dark garnet colored, medium-full bodied, flawless, elegant, polished, harmonious, perfectly balanced, silky smooth flavors of concentrated black berry and black raspberry fruits with notes of vanilla, licorice, spice, black truffles and oak with hints of spice and cedar turning to fine grained tongue puckering tannins on the long lingering finish.
Consistent with earlier tasting of this label, dark garnet colored, medium-full bodied, flawless, elegant, polished, harmonious, perfectly balanced, silky smooth flavors of concentrated black berry and black raspberry fruits with notes of vanilla, licorice, spice, black truffles and oak with hints of spice and cedar turning to fine grained tongue puckering tannins on the long lingering finish.
Dan brought Kathryn Hall Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Dan also brought a
Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2017 Lyle brought his customary Vintage Port for the dessert course, and a Super Second Bordeaux …
Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou St Julien Bordeaux 2014
This is one of our favorite producers of which we hold a large collection dating back four decades. Our Visit to Château Ducru Beaucaillou was a highlight of our visit to the St Julien Appellation in Bordeaux back in 2019. Beside the Champagnes, and the Viogner, John brought a fabulous arguably Super Second Margaux …
Chateau Palmer Margaux Bordeaux 2016
John brought this spectacular 100 point ‘super second’ Margaux, from one of our favorite producers.
Upon opening, I immediately considered this a candidate for WOTN - Wine of the Night!
At ten years old, this is just beginning to settle and integrate and start showing its true character and potential. We’re still holding this label going back to our kid’s birth years, 81, ‘82, ‘85 and ’90. We opened the ‘81 in magnum format for Christmas dinner just last year.
It was rated 100 points by Wine Enthusiast, Vinous and Jeb Dunnuck, who rated this 100 points and wrote, "The finest vintage I’ve ever tasted from this estate, surpassing the
2009 and 2010, the 2016 Château Palmer."
It was rated 98 points by James Suckling, Wine Advocate and Decanter.
This release is a blend of 47% each of Merlot
and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Petit Verdot, all of which was
brought up in 65% new French oak. This release should keep for half a century. (Jed Dunnuck)
We stayed within walking distance of the Chateau during our Bordeaux wine Experience back in 2019. Regrettably, we played phone tag over several days and were never able to synch up to confirm our tasting tour. We did walk over and see the magnificent Chateau and grounds.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=2594466 https://www.chateau-palmer.com/en
Primissimo Puglia Salento Negra Amaro 2021
Eric & Cathy just returned this week from Italy and brought this
limited release Italian Nebbiolo that they obtained while staying at the
Producer’ estate winery …
Primissimo is an organic wine produced by Guy Martin, a Michelin-starred chef who discovered, fell in love with and acquired wine estates and a nine acre vineyard in Nardò in the heart of Solento, in Puglia in Southern Italy. The site is
organically farmed land, the vines grow in clay-limestone soil, nourished by the ample sun and the Mediterranean climate - “exceptional terroir gives the wine its structure and roundness, and a strong Mediterranean identity that is both wild and controlled.”https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=5696827
Son Ryan arrived with wine buddies Brian W and Mark C, each with a couple of notable wines to share and compare.
Ryan brought from his cellar two spectacular 100 point labels …
Sine Qua Non “The Hated Hunter” California Syrah 2017
This classic, highly allocated label is named after winemaker Manfred Krankl’s grandfather. The 2017 Syrah "The Hated Hunter" is
82.4% Syrah, 7.8% Petite Sirah, 5.2% Mourvèdre, 2% Grenache, and the
rest a mix of varieties that spent just over 23 months in 59% new
French oak.
Sine Qua Non produce Rhone Ranger wines from primarily Rhone varietals sourced from four different vineyard sites in the Central California Coast.
It was rated 100 points by Jeb Dunnuck, 98 points by Wine Advocate, and 96 points by Vinous.
This may have been the clear WOTN - Wine of the Night, except I would put it in almost its own category ... apart from the Bordeaux varietal labels.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3368169
http://www.sinequanon.com/
Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Cliff Lede is one of our favorite Napa Valley producers. We've visited the estate several times and our tastings there have been highlights of several of our Napa Valley trips.
https://www.mcnees.org/winesite/napa/napa-09/lede-0909/napa_harvest_09_lede.htm
This was arguably my WOTN - Wine of the Night, (amongst the Bordeaux varietals, although the Turnbull was notable, and the Bordeaux blends were in a class by themselves). This was rated a perfect
100 points by Jeb Dunnuck, 98 points by Wine Advocate, 96 by Int'l Wine Review, 95 by James Suckling, Wine Spectator and Vinous/
Suckling wrote, "The Cliff Lede, 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon is pure perfection in a glass. This extraordinary wine is unquestionably one of the finest in this report and has an awesome, singular style that's hard to believe."
Jnt'l Wine Review wrote, "The 2016 Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon from Cliff Lede is an absolute monster. This colossal wine instantly grabs your attention with its impressive opaque, dark inky color and intense aromas of ripe black and blue fruits which are joined by fresh violets, graphite and sweet exotic spices that all come together and burst from the glass."
Vinous wrote, "The 2016 is one of the finest editions of Cliff Lede's To Kalon Cabernet I can remember tasting."
Ryan's buddies Brian and Mark brought the Laurel Blanc Priorat, above, and some notable big Napa Valley reds. …
Stalworth Napa Valley Rutherford Bench Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
This is the product of Sabrina and Timothy Persson who took over the family Napa Valley winery in 2012. They farm two vineyards on the Rutherford Bench of Napa Valley, known for narrow alluvial fans that spill out from the Mayacamas foothills along the western edge of Rutherford and Oakville. These ancient deposits marry depth and complexity with natural drainage, compelling the vines to reach deep into the soil while tempering vigor.
The two vineyards showcased by Stalwørth sit along Napa Valley’s western benchlands and share the hallmarks of the Rutherford Bench, yet each brings its own distinctive voice.
The Rutherford vineyard is a small, organically farmed site producing more red-toned fruit with supple tannins and graceful texture.
The Oakville vineyard is a small, dry-farmed vineyard at the base of the Oakville Grade, yielding darker fruit with a refined, velvety structure. Together, these vineyards capture the full range of the western benchlands’ character, complementing each other in balance and expression.
It is crafted by legendary winemaker Celia Welch.
Turnbull Black Label Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Turnbull Winery sitting on St Helena Hwy in Oakville, are owners and farmers of four premiere estate vineyards in Napa Valley, 90 acres in Oakville and 60 acres in Calistoga dating back over four decades.
This is their ultra-premium label sourced from the Oakville vineyards, primarily from the Leopoldina vineyard and the remaining 30% of the fruit from the Fortuna vineyard.
The Fortuna vineyard sitting atop the Oakville bench with a western exposure was the original homestead of the pre-vine era Weitz cattle range and then home to the
first vines planted in the area.
The remainder is from the historic Fortuna vineyard site from pre-Prohibition and originally sourced by the venerable Christian Brothers winery. Fortuna sits at the base of the gently sloping Oakville Bench, on the
eastern side of the Oakville appellation.
Only 62 cases were produced in this select bottling.
This release was rated 96 points by Vinous and Wine Enthusiast (Cellar Selection), 95 points by Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator and 92 by James Suckling.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=4115879
https://www.turnbullwines.com/
Altamura Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Altamura Vineyards and Winery, established in 1985 by Napa natives Frank and Karen Altamura, is the only winery in Wooden Valley located within the Napa Valley appellation. Born and raised in Napa Valley, Frank began working with his cousin, a vineyard manager, right out of high school working at Sterling Vineyards in 1976, the at Caymus with mentor Charlie Wagner for five years.
Their sprawling 400 acre Altamura Ranch in historic Wooden Valley, on Mt George at the south end of the Vaca Mountain range that forms the eastern wall of Napa Valley, high above the town of Napa. The historic ranch was settled by members of Karen Altamura’s family back in 1855. Frank and Karen cleared 65 acres and planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese on six different sites. Caves were dug and they constructed a stone winery at the Altamura Family home in Wooden Valley.
We visited the Altamura estate winery on one of our first Napa Valley trips back in the late 1980's.
Their hillside and valley floor estate vineyards in Wooden Valley are at elevations of 700 to 1000 feet with diverse soil types on the ranch which are similar to the Rutherford Bench and the mountainous regions of Howell Mountain, Pritchard Hill and Mount Veeder.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3830998
https://www.altamura.com/
Son Alec arrived and brought this interesting Napa Cab ..
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3830998
https://www.altamura.com/
Soquel Partner’s Reserve Atlas Peak Stagecoach Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Soquel is a small winery on Glen Haven Road in the Santa Cruz Mountains high above the south end of Silicon Valley. They also produce several labels in concert with several neighboring growers partners as well as this label, sourced from the historic Stagecoach Vineyard on Atlas Peak in Napa Valley.
This label was rated 95 points by Wine Advocate, 93 by Vinous and 92 by Jeb Dunnuck.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=3005686
https://soquelvineyards.com/
For finishing the evening Linda prepared her delectable chocolate mousse. For an accompaniment, Lyle opened his signature Vintage Port, and I opened a limited production Austrian dessert wine.
As the night wore on, the boys raided the cellar and pulled some additional interesting reds to taste and compare … including the Penfold’s Grange, mentioned above, and this limited release Diamond Mountain selection …
Constant Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Taylor Fladgate Quinta de Vargellas Vintage Port 1995
If John is the 'Champagne guy', Lyle is the 'port guy' ..., although he's acquired a collection of and has been bringing some spectacular Brunello's in recent years ... as well as the occasional Bordeaux ...
Taylor’s is one of the oldest of the founding Port houses dating back to 1692.
The Taylor's Port Quinta de Vargellas vineyard was acquired in 1893 and is now a Class A vineyard, one of the pre-eminent among the wine estates of the Douro dating back to the 1820s. It ranks among the great vineyards of the world.
Wine Spectator cited this as "Ranked #10 Top 100 Wines of 1998", and gave it 92 points.
Vinous rated it 94 points, and John Gilman gave it 91 and gave it a drinking window out until 2030 - "Drink between 2011-2030"
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=19047
https://www.taylor.pt/
And I pulled from our cellar some aged TBA's from Austria …
Kracher Welschriesling Trockenberenausliese Zwischen Den Seen Number 8
From the Austria, Burgenland, Neusiedlersee
region, we hold more than two dozen labels of this Austrian producer’s releases spanning more than two decades. https://mcnees.org/winesite/labels/label_library_pages/label_library_Europe.htm
These rare ultra-premium dessert wines are fun to watch as they age, turning from straw colored, to butter, to golden, to weak tea and to tea colored, as shown here at twenty-five years.
They were great to taste over the ensuing week for sipping with a variety of entrees and desserts.
https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=19088
http://www.kracher.at/
